A bit about my circumstances

hi my partners psa was 78 in September.  After all the tests  they found it hadn't spread to bones or lymph nodes  so dosnt mean it has spread the high psa  . we was the same as you absolutely bricking it . my partners is locally advanced.  he's having radiotherapy in February.  the beginning is the absolute worse feel for you it does get better xx 

Basing a 'pseudo diagnosis' on a PSA score is almost criminal. You will find people with much higher scores that do not have lymph node or bone mets involved at all.

Wait for the scans and biopsy before you decide what treatment options to consider - and there are plenty of options on the table at this stage.

Good luck!

Hello Alex.

It's a shame you've had to find us but I'm glad you have. There are many knowlegeable, kind and supportive folk here who'll hopefully alleviate some of your initial fears.

So long as you stick to reputable scientific information  I see no harm in Googling. My youngest son is a scientist and although not medically qualified, has been a great help to me, when scrutinising research papers on this disease. 

You are bound to be anxious, the vast majority of people are. My advice would be take one step at a time.

All the best mate.

Adrian

Edited by member 17 Jan 2024 at 18:07  | Reason: Spelling

Alex. Sorry you find your self here. If you haven't already done so try clicking on PROSTATE INFORMATION at the top of this page. The PC UK publications are a lot easier to digest than wading through technical papers on the subject. Probably tackle those later down the line.

Hi Alex N,

I can't add anything to the advice and support that have already been given, but I think you will find that there's a lot of good information, advice and support on this site by people who have been through similar experiences - whether they be survivors or family members.

Very best of luck to you.

JedSee.

Thank you JedSee - much appreciated

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join!

Try not to panic too much and carefully decide what treatment is best for you if you are diagnosed. The basic standard of care isn't the only option, especially if you want to maintain quality of life.

I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 2 years ago and given the usual prognosis 2 - 5 years.  However, I'm still here, working, rowing on my erg and taking the tablets!

Nb if you didn't "enjoy" the DRE, remember you can request a general anesthetic for the biopsy and sleep through the whole barbaric procedure.

I was in your situation just 3 months ago. I'm a similar age (59) and with a similar PSA (71). I was also told that due to the high PSA (without a urine infection) I've certainly got PCa and it may have spread to the bones. One was a certainty and one was a possibility, and he was right.

Like you I thought that all my plans and retirement dreams were shattered. Sh***ing myself would be an understatement. But I could only think of practicalities and so I planned my exit, frantically writing a will (had one but needed changing), adding wifes name to my bank account, checking life insurance policy, deciding when and what to tell the kids, drawing up funeral wishes, all done at such speed that anyone watching would think I'd be dead the following week. In hindsight, how ridiculous was that, but that's how I'm wired.

The time between now and your bone scan results will be one of hightened worry and anxiety and nothing anybody says to you will change that. This is the worst time, but it does get better. Whatever your dianosis Alex, you will be around for many years to come.

I'd expect your path going forward will be very similar to mine - MRI (see you've had that), Biopsy then straight onto hormone blockers (Zoladex in my case), Nuclear bone scan, CT scan and then if both those scans are clear expect a PSMA PET scan (due to high PSA).

My only advice, for what it's worth, would be to avoid google and use these forums. Wish I'd known that.

All the best.

Hi Alex,

You’ve already made one very important step by joining this forum. The knowledge and support you will get from all on here is an immense help. When you know what your diagnosis is, you may or may not be given a Choice of treatment, but once you have made that decision you can start to plan and get on with your life, as much as your treatment allows you to. In the meantime try and keep yourself busy and active, and be kind to yourself. It might also help if you have a local support group such as Maggies, go along and talk to them.

good luck,

Derek